Thursday April 28, 2016 is a date that will be remembered in UNA history. For years, there have been people praying for this campus, and I believe that UNAfy was an answered prayer and the start of a new day at UNA. It was a night when many of the Christian student organizations on campus and many local churches decided to come together to worship God and to forget about the trivial things we disagree on. Ephesians 4:1-7 says:
"I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism,one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ's gift." (ESV, emphasis mine)
This scripture sums up the heart of the night. We were gathered together in unity under Christ, who is the head of the church. There was some amazing worship led by the one and only Heather Wallace, who has one of the most amazing hearts for the Lord. She is all about loving on Jesus and touching the heart of the father in worship and in her everyday life. Pastor Micah Wood from Hamilton, Alabama came and gave us and amazing word about holding steadfast to God, and encountering Jesus every day. Psalm 108:1-3, a scripture that Micah used that night, says:
" My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and make melody with all my being!Awake, O harp and lyre!I will awake the dawn!I will give thanks to you, O Lord, among the peoples;I will sing praises to you among the nations." (ESV, emphasis mine)
There is a new dawn happening on this campus. The children of God are ready for something more. More than what we have seen all our lives. I've seen division and competition between the churches when we should be rejoicing when another ministry grows because that's more people who have come to know the love, righteousness and glory of Jesus. I've seen finger pointing and attack within the body when there should be loving embrace. It's not about the denomination you belong to. It is not about what type of instruments you use (or lack thereof). It is about JESUS!
Imagine if we threw aside our petty arguments and used our energy to love people and show them truth. A house divided cannot stand (Mark 3:25), but a house that is built together, united under Christ as the head will be a true example of the kingdom of God on earth. But it doesn't happen overnight.
We must develop a steadfastness to God (Psalm 108:1). The change and heart of unity has to start in our own individual hearts. We have to search the Word of God and live by the spirit of God (Galatians 5) to see the impact of God. Every little moment counts. The times when you are alone with God and seeking him or praying for the campus are more important than the big events when we get together.
It starts with you!
God, I pray that you bring a unity to your children like never before. Unity of our spirit to yours and to one another. Draw us into your presence each and every day so that we can get to know you more and be a light to the world because you are with us. I thank you in advance for all that you are going to do through your children. We love you! Amen.
Hopefully, this event will be a yearly event, and I only expect growth because God is involved and as you and I plant and water seeds of hope and love in people God will bring the increase! If you have any testimonies from that night, just want to get more involved, or have any questions please feel free to leave a comment or message me on Facebook!
Keep being a World Changer!